Somalia 1993 Mogadishu - In the 1980s a civil war erupted in Somalia when warlord factions joined together to overthrow then president Siad Barre, who finally lost power in 1991. Since then power struggles between warlords have ravaged the country with violence and famine. U.S. and international troops entered Somalia to provide aid and presence in December of 1992, "Operation Restor Hope."